Iran has said that negotiations with the United States cannot begin unless certain conditions are met, including a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
The warning was issued by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, who said that agreed conditions must be fulfilled before formal talks can start.
His statement comes at a time when diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway involving a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, which recently travelled to Islamabad for discussions involving Iranian officials.
According to reports, the talks are expected to include Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior representatives.
Ghalibaf said that two key conditions remain unfulfilled: a halt to Israeli military operations in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked financial assets. He stressed that negotiations will not begin until these demands are met.
The announcement adds further strain to an already fragile two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, which began earlier this week.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s crude oil supply passes. US officials have expressed concern over restricted shipping activity in the region.
Former US President Donald Trump has also criticised Iran over the situation, accusing it of limiting oil traffic through the waterway and warning against further disruptions.
US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have expressed cautious optimism about the talks, stating that negotiations could be positive if conducted in good faith. However, they also warned that the US expects seriousness from Iran during discussions.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily restricted, adding to global concerns over energy supply stability and regional tensions.
